Wedding bells ring out at primary school

PUBLISHED: 16:07 06 December 2007 | UPDATED: 21:53 29 May 2010

Pupils at Stebbing Primary School in a mock wedding ceremony

WEDDING bells were ringing when pupils from Stebbing Primary School took part in a mock ceremony on Tuesday, November 27, designed to teach them about what happens at a Christian wedding. Pupils were asked to dress in their finest clothes for the occasion

WEDDING bells were ringing when pupils from Stebbing Primary School took part in a mock ceremony on Tuesday, November 27, designed to teach them about what happens at a Christian wedding.

Pupils were asked to dress in their finest clothes for the occasion as each one took up a different role in the ceremony held at St Mary's Church, Stebbing.

The 'matrimony' was conducted by Rev Ruth Goodbody who explained and led the children through each part of the proceedings.

Charlie Rice and Poppy Gray played the bride and groom and exchanged vows as they were watched by 20 other children all playing roles such as bridesmaids, ushers and photographers.

Headteacher Janet Matthews said: "There wasn't a dry eye in the church as the happy couple walked down the aisle.

"This follows on from the work the children have been doing as part of their current topic, festivals and celebrations. The class has been learning all about different customs and beliefs from all around the world."

In all 40 people, including parents and grandparents of the pupils were at the church ceremony which was followed by a traditional wedding breakfast consisting of cakes, biscuits and drinks kindly donated by the parents.